A popular fitness event will soon become a regular fixture in Builth Wells in the new year.

parkrun, a free, weekly 5k event, is anticipated to start in February 2019, at the Groe.

Groe parkrun will be one of the 750 locations across the UK and it will be open to all, including those who have health conditions or disabilities, in open spaces on Saturday mornings.

It has gained popularity since it started 14 years ago, and in October it celebrated gaining its five millionth person to register.

Lee Jarvis, of Builth Wells & District Running Club and Groe parkrun organiser, says the project started to get more people running in the town.

The next nearest event is held an hour away in Newtown, and on average a 40-mile drive to Hereford, Merthyr Tydfil and Aberystwyth.

In late November Mr Jarvis was given the green light following discussions with Run Wales, parkrun and Powys County Council to establish the fitness event.

Mr Jarvis said: “Absolutely fantastic news for the community, and very much looking forward to seeing everybody’s success stories, as the weeks, months or years pass us by.

“parkrun UK work together with Run Wales to create these excellent park events, to which the benefits - both physically and mentally - have made many thousands of people feel fantastic.”

A Powys medical practice has recently become a registered Parkrun Practice following a UK-wide initiative by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Montgomery Medical Practice is encouraging staff and patients to get involved with their local parkrun to get more active by reducing the need for lifelong medication. According to the RGCP, parkrun has a positive impact on health and wellbeing and changes lives.

Dr Andrew Boyd, of the RCGP, said: “Inactivity is a leading cause of premature illness and death in the UK. GPs and their teams play a key role in encouraging and empowering their patients to get more active. parkrun provides an accessible, non-intimidating local opportunity for patients and staff to increase their activity levels, and have fun doing it, all in the great outdoors - and for free!”